Bhuvneshwar Kumar equals Chahal’s record in IPL clash with Kolkata Knight Riders

Royal Challengers Bengaluru pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has equaled Yuzvendra Chahal’s record for the most wickets taken against Kolkata Knight Riders in Indian Premier League history. The milestone was reached during the tournament’s 2026 season on 13 May, in a fixture played in Raipur. Kumar claimed his 33rd wicket against the franchise by dismissing New Zealand batter Finn Allen early in the innings.

The breakthrough occurred during the powerplay, with Kumar delivering a ball that shaped away from Allen, resulting in a catch behind the stumps. This dismissal brought Kumar’s economy rate against KKR to 8.01, matching Chahal’s standing at the top of the all-time list for wickets taken against the franchise. Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja follow with 25 wickets each, while Ravichandran Ashwin holds 24.

Kolkata Knight Riders had slipped to 56 for two at the end of the powerplay before recovering through a strong middle-order performance. Angkrish Raghuvanshi anchored the innings with 71 runs off 46 balls, including seven fours and three sixes. Raghuvanshi shared a 68-run partnership with Cameron Green, who scored 32 off 24 deliveries, before adding a further 76 runs with Rinku Singh.

Rinku Singh finished unbeaten on 49 from 29 balls, marking his third unbeaten half-century in his last five matches. The left-hander’s contribution helped KKR post a total of 192 for four. The innings was part of a strong campaign for KKR, with Singh’s recent form highlighting the team’s resilience after early wickets.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar elected to bowl first following a rain delay that postponed the start by more than an hour. Patidar anticipated seam assistance, although conditions in Raipur were less conducive to movement than in previous games at the venue. Kumar’s performance continues his effective partnership with new-ball bowler Josh Hazlewood, contributing to RCB’s competitive standing in the 2026 season.